How to Dress for Cold Weather When Playing Soccer

You might think of soccer as a summertime sport, but leagues can extend into the colder months. To play your best game, you need to stay warm so your muscles stay loose in order to reduce the possibility of injury. The key to keeping warm is dressing appropriately for the cold weather. Here are 4 helpful tips on how to dress for the cold weather while playing soccer.

1. Have good base layers

Wear compression pants or leggings and a compression shirt under your shorts and jersey. Compression clothing hugs your body, keeping it warm while wicking sweat away from your skin. Undergarments worn under your jersey usually have to match the color of your jersey and those worn under your shorts must match the color of your shorts, but sometimes refs will allow plain black or white clothing to be worn underneath even if your jersey does not match that.

2. Keep your extremities warm

Wear a pair of gloves and a hat to keep your extremities warm, as these parts of your body get cold the most quickly.

3. Have backup socks

Bring an extra set of soccer socks to keep on the sidelines. Change into these socks during halftime if your feet have become wet.

4. Bundle up when you're not playing

Wear track pants and a jacket while on the sidelines. If you are sitting on the bench, wear a blanket to keep yourself extra warm. It's important to stay warm while you're not running around so that you're ready to go if you get called to sub in!

Tips

Be aware that all clothing items must be inspected by the referee. Clothing can only be worn if the referee deems that it poses no risk to yourself or others on the field.